‘We serve’: Amid coronavirus, Chester cops to deliver food for seniors, disabled
Chester Police Department Chief Eric Williams said there is a reason police have the motto “protect and serve.”
During the coronavirus pandemic, Williams has decided that his officers will serve as delivery drivers as they protect the public.
The department will deliver groceries and other essentials to senior citizens and the disabled inside the city who are homebound during the Covid-19 outbreak.
“There are times when we all, as police officers and as neighbors, have to go a little above and beyond,” Williams said. “Now is that time. These are people we protect and serve during our normal duties. The times are not normal. So our protect and serve has to be more than normal.”
Chester is a city of about 5,500 people in Chester County. Seniors and people with existing medical conditions are considered high-risk for coronavirus and have been asked to stay home whenever possible. South Carolina is under a stay at home order for all people with the exception of work and a few other exceptions.
The department’s officers came up with the idea of delivering to people, Williams said. He jumped in immediately.
“We are already out in the community handling calls, patrolling: These are people who can use the help,” Williams said. “Nobody should be left behind.”
The service was launched Thursday and will continue as needed, Williams said.
Anyone who knows of a senior citizen or disabled person who lives in the city limits of Chester who needs delivery assistance can call the police department at 803-581-9677 Monday through Friday during normal business hours of 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. The department’s service can also be reached by direct message through the department’s Facebook and Twitter social media pages.
